At the closing ceremony of the ICES Annual Science Conference (ASC) 2025, researchers were recognized for their outstanding presentations, receiving merit awards for Best Presentation and Best Poster. Their innovative research reflects ICES commitment to advancing ecosystem-based science, sustainable use of marine resources, and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.
Best Presentations
Sissel Kolls Bertelsen, DTU Aqua, Denmark
“Out with the Inputs and in with the Outputs” – exploring which technical measures could be streamlined under Fully Documented Fisheries without compromising sustainability.
Bertelsen’s PhD research examines how electronic monitoring and fully documented fisheries can transform management approaches. “The current system is often too rigid and not well aligned with the dynamic nature of fisheries,” she said. “We are investigating how fully documented fisheries can support a shift towards a more agile management system without compromising sustainability.” Her work links directly to ICES priorities on emerging techniques, sustainable food from the sea, and society–ocean interactions.
Abril Reynés Cardona, Universiteit Gent, Belgium and Institute of Natural Sciences (MARECO group)
“Offshore wind farm development alters food web structure and carbon flows” – insights from a 14-year data-driven study.
Reynés Cardona analysed 14 years of data from the Belgian part of the North Sea to show how offshore wind farms reshape marine ecosystems. “Wind farms create new habitats that boost local biomass and carbon flows, but they also reduce ecosystem stability,” she explained. Her research highlights the need to evaluate long-term ecosystem functioning alongside biodiversity, advancing ICES ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine resources.
Best Posters
Anika Sonjudóttir, Hafrannsóknastofnun Marine & Freshwater Research Institute, Iceland
“Exploring the impact of capelin decline in Icelandic waters through the marine food web.”
Sonjudóttir used ecosystem modelling to understand the trophic role of capelin, a key forage fish in Icelandic waters. “My research shows how changes in capelin abundance cascade through the marine food web and affect fisheries productivity,” she noted. Her findings reinforce the importance of ecosystem-based management and food-web dynamics under changing environments.
Juliane Niewar, Universität Hamburg, Germany
“Understanding the effects of climate change and fishing on the Western Baltic Sea via dynamic food-web modeling.”
Niewar’s work applies food-web models to assess the combined pressures of climate change and fishing in the Baltic Sea. “Future strategies must consider multiple species and the entire ecosystem,” she said. “Food web models help us understand complex interactions and contribute to sustainable management.”
Recognizing excellence in science
The four awardees represent the diversity and innovation of research presented at ICES ASC 2025. Their contributions underscore the importance of integrated, ecosystem-based science in addressing today’s pressing challenges for marine ecosystems and society. Congratulations!
Watch ICES ASC 2025 Closing Ceremony with Awards presentations on our YouTube channel.
